Estradiol and other sex hormone dynamics in menstrual migraine: pathway analysis of hormones in a case-control follow-up study.

Menstrual migraine (MM) is related to changes in sex hormones, especially estradiol. This study aimed to understand how estradiol levels change in women with MM. Researchers examined blood samples from 46 women, including 28 with MM and 18 healthy controls. They measured hormone levels at specific times during the menstrual cycle. The focus was on the peak estradiol level during the mid-luteal phase. They found that women with MM had a 49% higher peak estradiol level compared to healthy women. However, those with MM experienced a more significant decline in estradiol leading up to menstruation. Other hormones were also measured, including progesterone and testosterone, to see if they played a role. Overall, the study suggests that monitoring estradiol and its decline could help understand and manage menstrual migraines better in women. Clinical relevance: This research indicates that monitoring estradiol levels may improve management strategies for women suffering from menstrual migraines.